The Mannum Hotel closes its doors for New Year’s Eve after its basement became flooded

A popular riverside hotel has been forced to close its doors after its basement became flooded with water.

The Mannum Hotel has called off its New Year’s Eve celebrations after their basement flooded due to seepage.

The State Emergency Services and the Country Fire Service worked together to pump the water from the basement on Friday night.

On Saturday, the owners announced they have closed the venue until further notice.

“Regrettably, due to the effects of water underground, SA Power Networks unfortunately has to disconnect our power. Effort are underway to restore power as soon as possible,” they posted on social media.

The hotel had previously announcing their end-of-year celebrations on Facebook.

A comment on the post from the hotel said “we are determined to be open tomorrow”.

The town’s other pub, The Pretoria Hotel, has been temporarily closed because of the water level.

Visitors have been flocking to the small river town to see the “once-in-a-generation” flood phenomenon.

Mannum Motel owner Dave Hartley said his business is booming with “lots of day visitors.”

“I would say there would have to be a thousand people down the main street now just walking down having a look at the flood banks,” he said on Friday.

“The cafes, which is part of the motel, is probably two to three times busy to what it was this time last year.

Meanwhile, SA Health has issued a new warning urging people to avoid Lake Bonney after elevated levels of blue green algae have been identified.

Health experts advise people to avoid swimming and diving in the lake as contact with the water could cause irritation to the eyes, ears, nose, mouth and skin. Accidental ingestion of the water may also lead to illness.

Testing on Thursday showed elevated levels of the aglae – now deeming the entire lake as potentially harmful.

This is contrary to the previous warning which deemed unaffected parts of the lake as safe to swim areas.

“If you’re up in the Riverland, please don’t swim or dive in Lake Bonney, don’t drink the lake water and keep your pets and kids well clear,” SA Health Principal Water Quality Adviser David Cunliffe warned.

Dr Cunliffe advised that people who have been exposed should keep “an eye out” on health and monitor symptoms.

“We’re continuing to monitor the lake and test for algae levels, and will work with relevant agencies so that hopefully people can get back in the water soon,” he said.

Green algae in Lake Bonney December 20 2022. Picture: Shonnie Jordan

Meanwhile, a Flood Emergency Warning message has been issued for Lower River Murray as peak water flows have now passed Berri.

The message was issued about 5.00pm on Friday by the State Emergency Service.

“The River Murray is at Major Flood and the river will remain at these high levels for some weeks. The peak is expected to reach Lock 1 at Blanchetown in the next 5 days, then remain at or near peak for at least a week. If you live in the warning area, you should now prepare for flooding,” the message read.

In a community update notice issued by the SES, peak flows will be experienced in Waikerie and Morgan over the next 48 hours and communities should expect to see and prepare for new areas of flooding.

A Flood Emergency Warning message has been issued for Lower River Murray as peak water flows have now passed Berri. Picture: SES

This comes as rising floodwaters caused the Waikerie ferry to close on Friday night. This is likely to impact travel routes.

“With large number of tourists currently visiting Waikerie and Morgan communities to enjoy the areas and views of the River Murray over the coming long weekend, the SASES encourages people to familiarise themselves with the area and ensure they are able to travel safely throughout the area and relocate to a place of safety if required,” the notice said.

Travellers are encouraged to check the latest road and ferry closures via www.sa.gov.au to plan their route.